Transporter-driver under suspicion in Bhopal LPG leak:Up to 2.5 kg gas short in 27 cylinders; food department seeks depot data

Following a raid by the Madhya Pradesh Food Department at a gas agency warehouse in Bhopal, a significant discrepancy in the weight of domestic LPG cylinders has come to light. The findings have raised suspicion over the role of the transporter and the truck driver in the alleged leakage or pilferage of gas. In the preliminary investigation, it has been found that the cylinders were dispatched directly from the depot to the agency through a transporter, indicating that the agency’s involvement may be minimal. Officials have now sought detailed records from the depot to verify dispatch weights and trace where the discrepancy occurred. Shortage detected in 27 cylinders The issue came to light on Thursday during the supply of cylinders from the depot to Saini Gas Agency. Out of 342 domestic cylinders loaded on a truck from the Indane Oil depot in Bakania, Bhanpuri area, 27 cylinders were found to have 1 to 2.5 kilograms less LPG each. On average, nearly 2 kg was missing per cylinder, amounting to a total shortage of around 54 kg—equivalent to about four full cylinders. Additionally, five cylinders were found without seals, raising serious concerns over monitoring and safety protocols. Food Department seeks depot records According to the Food Controller Chandrabhan Singh Jadaun, records have been requested from the depot. Officials will verify the weight of the cylinders at the time of dispatch and compare it with their weight upon reaching the gas agency. “The truck was dispatched through the transporter, and the driver was also appointed by the transporter. Therefore, the primary responsibility lies with them. All aspects are being investigated,” he said. 13-hour delay raises suspicion A key concern in the case is the unexplained delay in transportation. The truck left the depot at around 8 PM but reached the gas agency only the next day. The journey, which typically takes 3–4 hours, instead took nearly 13 hours. This delay has intensified suspicion that the gas may have been siphoned off during transit.
Short distance, bigger questions The distance between the depot and the agency’s warehouse in Imalia is just 25 km, further deepening doubts about the circumstances. The gas agency operator has denied any involvement, stating that the shortage occurred before the cylinders reached their premises. Key questions raised Rules and Monitoring system Cylinder supply from the IOCL depot to agencies is handled by a contracted transporter, Shree Balaji Transport, Gwalior. At the depot, each cylinder is tracked by its serial number and weighed before dispatch. Complaint mechanism Consumers can report complaints of LPG shortage via the CM Helpline (181). They are also advised to check the weight of cylinders at the time of delivery to ensure the standard 14.2 kg LPG quantity.